For more than 25 years, Jeff Lohman has helped shape student-athletes across West Michigan.
He has built championship soccer programs, taught generations of students, mentored future leaders, served on a school board, and helped young people prepare for life after graduation.
Now, he’s bringing that experience to Holton.
Holton Public Schools has named Lohman its new Athletic Director, entrusting one of the area’s most respected educators and coaches with leading the next chapter of Red Devil athletics.
Lohman arrives with a career that spans education, coaching, administration, and community leadership, bringing a philosophy centered on developing not only successful teams, but successful students.
Building a Foundation at Oakridge
Lohman’s journey in education began in 1999 at Oakridge Public Schools, where he spent more than 16 years making an impact both inside the classroom and on the athletic field.
He taught Economics, Global Studies, and later Career and Employability Skills, incorporating the nationally recognized 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens curriculum to help students prepare for life beyond graduation. He also served in leadership roles within the teachers’ union, participating in contract bargaining and advocating for fellow educators.
But it was on the soccer field where many across West Michigan first came to know his name.
As head coach of the Oakridge girls varsity soccer program from 2000 to 2015, Lohman transformed the Eagles into one of the area’s premier programs. During his tenure, Oakridge captured eight West Michigan Conference championships, seven district titles, numerous regional championships, and reached the MHSAA Division 3 State Semifinals in 2012.
His success earned him Michigan Public School Coach of the Year honors along with four Muskegon Chronicle Coach of the Year awards. Just as importantly, his teams consistently earned Academic All-State recognition, reflecting the emphasis he placed on excellence both in competition and in the classroom.
Taking a Program to New Heights
After establishing one of the top high school soccer programs in the area, Lohman embraced a new challenge at Muskegon Community College.
As head coach of the Jayhawks women’s soccer team, he transformed the program into one of the nation’s best junior college teams.
From 2019 through 2021, Muskegon Community College won three consecutive NJCAA Region XII Championships. Lohman was named Region XII Coach of the Year in each of those seasons while leading the Jayhawks to two NJCAA National Tournament appearances, including a third-place finish nationally in 2021.
The success further cemented his reputation as a coach capable of building winning cultures at every level.
Returning to Mentor Students
While coaching remained an important part of his career, Lohman never strayed far from the classroom.
Over the past five years at Muskegon High School, he taught Economics, U.S. History, Career Readiness, and Teacher Education while serving in advisory and student leadership roles. Through the Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) program, he worked closely with students on career readiness, leadership development, and employability skills—continuing the mentoring approach that has defined his career for more than two decades.
His influence has extended beyond teaching and coaching.
Lohman has served on the Oakridge Public Schools Board of Education, worked as Center Director at Muskegon Community College’s Lakeshore Fitness Center, and officiated high school soccer, giving him a unique perspective on athletics from nearly every angle—as a teacher, coach, administrator, official, and community leader.
He also brings a strong academic background, holding a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, completing Family Life Studies coursework at WMU, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Grand Valley State University, and completing advanced leadership training through Michigan State University and Butler University focused on organizational leadership, strategic planning, and coaching leadership.
Before beginning his career in education, Lohman served in the United States Army from 1991 to 1994 as a Multiple Launch Rocket System crew member stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
A New Chapter at Holton
With decades of experience behind him, Lohman now begins perhaps his broadest leadership role yet.
As Athletic Director, he will oversee every athletic program at Holton, working alongside coaches, student-athletes, families, and the community to continue building a positive culture throughout Red Devil athletics.
“As Athletic Director, I am excited to work alongside our student-athletes, coaches, families, staff, and community members to continue building a culture that values excellence, sportsmanship, accountability, and opportunity for all students,” Lohman said. “Holton has a proud athletic tradition, and I look forward to supporting our programs while helping our students grow as competitors, leaders, and people.”
One of his first responsibilities will be hiring Holton’s next varsity softball coach following the successful tenure of Kirk Younts.
“Our immediate focus will be finding a new Head Coach for our Varsity Softball Team,” Lohman said. “That coach will be filling big shoes following Kirk Younts’ highly successful time with the program, and we will be taking our time to find the right person to lead the program.”
For Holton, the hire represents more than adding an athletic director. It brings in a leader whose career has been built on developing people, building successful programs, and strengthening school communities.
After more than 25 years of shaping student-athletes across West Michigan, Jeff Lohman now begins the next chapter of that mission—leading Holton athletics into the future.
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